"SPREADING HAPPINESS" - An initiative to provide access to energy for households in Indian villages

"SPREADING HAPPINESS" - An Initiative to provide access to energy for households in Indian Villages

Sachin Tendulkar and Schneider Electric India have come together for ‘Spreading Happiness Indiya Foundation’, a non profit organisation, to provide access to energy (rural electrification) by installing solar home lighting systems for the benefit of over 25,000 villagers in India in the initial phase. The initiative has already rolled out a pilot project in Velunje, Nashik in Maharashtra and is currently impacting over 1000 villagers and is expected to light up the lives of many more in the next couple of years. The starting point of the initiative was Sachin’s introduction to Schneider Electrics’ In-Diya Lighting System – an innovative, affordable and flexible solution to bring reliable, efficient and green lighting to people living with no or unreliable electricity. In-Diya is a specially designed LED based lighting system that can operate on main power supply and/or solar power, and provides backup ranging from 8 – 15 hours for indoor use. In-Diya can illuminate a room of 12’X12’ for all normal activities and provide 50,000 hours of lighting across its life-cycle. Aware of the challenges faced by many villages, Sachin shared his wish with the Schneider Electric Management of ‘taking In-Diya to the real India’ where the need for such a product was acute considering their struggle with darkness for many years. Sachin’s wish for the villages in India harmoniously merged with the Schneider culture of Social Responsibility which has been embraced at all levels of the organisation and reflected in their programmes and policies. Schneider Electric’s BipBop programme, which stands for “Business Innovation and People at the Base of the Pyramid” is a sustainable programme to bring safe, clean electricity to the people who need it the most. Schneider Electric’s legendary prowess in implementing lighting solutions for people off the electricity grid is also proven worldwide by its innovative work in Senegal, Nigeria, India and Madagascar.

Sachin Tendulkar

“As a country we cannot have our citizens still struggle with darkness in their lives with the setting of the sun. We have to use advancements in technology and the capabilities of international majors like Schneider Electric to deploy solutions which can brighten the lives of our countrymen. ‘Spreading Happiness’ is a small step towards changing lives and bringing smiles to the faces of many people in the country. For the last many years, my countrymen have showered me with unconditional love and affection irrespective of their location, social strata and personal challenges. ‘Spreading Happiness’ is my sincere effort to positively impact the present and future of the people who are an integral part of the real India, in partnership with a like minded organisation like Schneider Electric.”

Anil Chaudhry

Country President, Schneider Electric India

“As a country we cannot have our citizens still struggle with darkness in their lives with the setting of the sun. We have to use advancements in technology and the capabilities of international majors like Schneider Electric to deploy solutions which can brighten the lives of our countrymen. ‘Spreading Happiness’ is a small step towards changing lives and bringing smiles to the faces of many people in the country. For the last many years, my countrymen have showered me with unconditional love and affection irrespective of their location, social strata and personal challenges. ‘Spreading Happiness’ is my sincere effort to positively impact the present and future of the people who are an integral part of the real India, in partnership with a like minded organisation like Schneider Electric.”

ABOUT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDIA As a global specialist in energy management, with operations in more than 100+ countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions to make energy safe, reliable, efficient and green across multiple market segments.The Group has leadership positions in energy & infrastructure, industrial processes building automation & datacentres/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. With approx. 24 billion euros sales in 2012, the company’s 150,000+ employees are committed to help individuals & organizations “Make the most of their energy.”